Pretension - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Pretension refers to an exaggerated claim or display of importance, talent, or sophistication, often to impress others. It implies artificiality or an attempt to appear more significant than one truly is.
Definition:
A false or exaggerated claim to importance, talent, or dignity; an aspiration or intention that may be unrealistic.
Synonyms:
affectation, arrogance, ostentation, snobbery
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
humility, modesty
Common Collocations:
intellectual pretension, social pretension, artistic pretension
Derivatives:
pretentious (adj.), pretentiously (adv.)
Usage Tips:
Use "pretension" to describe someone’s exaggerated self-importance or unrealistic ambitions without genuine merit.
Common Phrases:
airs and graces, put on airs, false pretenses
Etymology:
From Latin *praetendere* ("to stretch forth, claim"), via Old French *pretendre* ("to pretend").
Examples:
- 1. His pretension to being a gourmet chef was laughable—he couldn’t even boil pasta properly.
- 2. She dismissed his artistic pretensions as mere vanity.
- 3. The politician’s speech was full of empty pretensions and no real solutions.
- 4. Their pretensions to wealth were exposed when their debts became public.
- 5. Avoid pretension in your writing—clarity and honesty are more valuable than fancy words.